Player Features and Ideas Discussion

And so, we just have to hold on to hope that CCP RedDawn eventually gets the go-ahead to add some new variations to the data and relic puzzle mechanics.

With the module revisions, I will definitely be interested in them. Same strength, Less coherence ... more risk of losing some loot when taking a bad path, but still gives a fighting chance. Coherence is a good statistic to balance on.

For general low and null sites I might stop using the T2 parts. I've lost ships misjudging the superior sleeper cache, we asked for more complication and got it, lol. So I leave that one alone. More loot for someone else ;)

First off, thank you CCP RedDawn for following up on your commitment to improving exploration sites. I can see that you definitely did follow through with looking into ways of making the High-Tech items useful, and I appreciate that. I hope we can continue to see iterations to make Data Sites more profitable, and bring them up to a level where they would be desired to be run at the same rate as Relic sites.

Making a Storyline hacking module makes sense to me, as does using the High-Tech items. Now the patchnotes where the High-Tech item drop rate was significantly reduced makes sense.

That said, I don't think combining the module in this manner is a good idea. If there are plans to diverge the Data and Relic site minigames even more or improve on them, having the separate modules will make more sense going forward as well.

Reducing the effectiveness of the Data/Relic Analyzer by reducing the coherence means you have less capability to run the higher end sites, like the Sleeper Cache sites. We are already taking a reduction in effectiveness by having to fly an Astero or Stratios/T3 to run the Sleeper Cache sites for tank. And that's exactly when you'd need a combined module like this.

Personally I wouldn't ever use this module when I can just swap for the T2 modules for max strength and coherence.

Instead, can I suggest creating separate Data and Relic Analyzer Storyline modules that have a more "compact" fitting? This would follow along the same Tiercide path as other Storyline items. And as a special ability, if possible, give them an increased range to loot from hacked cans. Right now the modules operate at 5000m or 6000m (I'm not sure why one is lower), but you still have to get within 2500m to loot from a can. Typically I keep at range on a container at 2200m while I hack so I can still cloak if I get dropped on, and I can also loot.

Being able to hack and loot at a longer range gives more flexibility in the site to avoid other obstacles that can decloak you, improves quality of life, and makes navigating easier for less experienced explorers. That would make the Storyline modules very desirable, in my opinion.

Interestingly I was thinking along the same lines. We have scanning mid slot modules now so why not strength/coherence increasing mid slot mods too; computer enhancements for the hacking modules.

Now I can choose if I want a relic hunting cepter with a mid slot or two to boost the hacking module or do I want both hacking modules with each being bonused for sleeper caches or some other combination. Or maybe I want to specialize further for a specific goal maximizing strength through skills and modules.

Choice, flexibility and game play with site iteration and evolution.

Sorry if this has already been mentioned..
How about leaving lower stats as described (lower then T1/T2 analyzers), but add scripts that would minimize effects done by defensive subsystems (i.e. reduced virus suppressor coherence or less coherence restored by restoration node etc.)?

There was a time when the "specialized" versions where of serious consequence in exploration. The profession has radically changed since then. While the module tiericide made many improvements and eliminated many modules, removing the "specialized" hacking modules is short sighted. Many of the eliminated modules through tiericide were redundant; there was no additional game play or reasonable choice to be had. Exploration has choice and reasonable game play.

I believe the way forward is to expand the content that is dependent upon these modules. Additional meta modules will expand choice of how this content can be tackled.

With the perspective of time, the efforts that were made to make scanning easier has made this profession's sandbox smaller and much less lucrative. It has become a simple beginners profession. Those of us that were dedicated explorers from 8 or more years ago have either moved on to other things, do it for relaxation or focused on combat exploration.

Food for though, combat exploration has not been iterated on since its introduction. Sleeper sites were a welcome breath of fresh air. Iteration is the key to prosperity now. Not the removal of profession based modules.

Ouch, from 2 slots to 1. OK. Since strength is the key stat most aim for, making the T2 matched variant the go-to part for skilled players, what about giving the T1 variant 2 utility slots? Then the difference between the two is not just virus strength and ease of fitting. Someone able to fit the T2 variant, might choose the T1 variant for less complex site types, in order to have a bit more flexibility when activating utilities.

Yeah I'm going to keep the materials the same for now.
Let's see what the additional feedback from Singularity is before updating the Coherence, and/or the materials.

Another reason I would advocate giving the T1 version 2 utility slots, even though it may still be less desirable than T2 for those who are skilled for that version, is to give the T1 variant something like a role, a goal of the ongoing tier-a-cide.

Another idea: what if the utility slots could only hold a utility "in memory" for a certain number of moves? That way you could keep two or three slots, but what they hold would decay at different rates, depending on the module. T1 might expire the last loaded utility after 3 moves, T2 might permit 4 moves before forgetting a utility.

unrelated to the OP but i always thought it would be a cool idea to be able to overheat hacking mods. That would increase the hacking dps (or whatever the name of that is).


back on topic:
i never understood why there where different mods for data and relic sites, game mechanics wise they are identical, the only difference are assets and loot drop. (i already said that in the feedback thread back when the hacking was redesigned)

the only argument for that is fitting space, you have to decide what you take with you or refit with a depot or fit both and lose some other mod. Not sure if it is a good enough argument however.

Interesting tweak with the slots, still think it will be a niche product. I don't want to sacrifice efficiency on relic sites just to be able to also run data sites.